Ralph Rogers – 81, Valley, passed away
suddenly at his home on Thursday, June 22, 2017.
He was raised with an appreciation for nature and the land
and had a passion for all living things, especially his love for dogs.
He was happiest when he was surrounded by the beauty of the great
outdoors either at his camp in Riversdale or the family cottage in
River John. An avid hunter and fisherman, Ralph traveled and loved to
explore the world around him spending time up North with his son, in
British Columbia on various canoeing expeditions and in the Maritimes
on fishing trips with his father.
His love of gardening was passed down to him by his father
and it was not uncommon for Ralph to maintain several gardens at once.
Whatever was harvested was shared with friends and family and would
end up in a delicious meal or preserves to be enjoyed later in the
winter. Ralph had a passion for watching and playing sports and
remained active well into his later years skiing, playing hockey,
curling, 4-wheeling and snowmobiling.
Ralph had a special relationship growing up with his
grandparents (Sydney and Margaret Rogers) that he continued with his
own grandchildren. An active grandparent, he enjoyed sharing his love
of nature with Sam and Ella and loved to watch them excel in hockey,
racing, soccer and other sports. He enjoyed reading and
sharing anything new he had learned with others. Once Ralph caught on
to this thing called the internet, a whole new world opened up to him
as well as a lot of delicious new recipes.
Ralph enjoyed working as a counsellor at Nova Youth Training
Centre until his retirement . He was a member of Brunswick Street
United Church, associate member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch # 26,
Truro, former member of Truro Fellowship Lodge #112, member of Truro
Curling Club and a former member of East Mountain Golf Club and Ski
Atlantic Seniors Club.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ethel (Atkinson) and
Aubrey Rogers; his daughter, Andrea Joy. He is survived by his wife of
57 years, Shirley (Rector); son, Craig (Stephanie), Onslow, and their
children, Samuel and Ella; sister, Joyce Enxing (Bill), Minnesota ;
half sister, Carol Atkinson (Leon), Dutch Settlement; half brother,
Chris Rogers, Masstown; step-mother, Janet Rogers and their family,
Clare Davidson (Gerald), Onslow; Peter Rogers (Michele), Valley; Penny
Blackwood (Bert), Lyons Brook; many loving nieces, nephews and
extended family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall -Varner Funeral
Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Ralph’s family will
receive friends from 6:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2017. Funeral
service will held 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Brunswick
Street United Church, 250 Brunswick Street, Truro, Reverend John
Parsons officiating. Reception will follow in the dining
hall. Interment in Watson Cemetery, East Prince Street, Truro. Family
flowers only. If so desired, donations in Ralph’s memory to
Brunswick Street United Church or Watson Cemetery are welcomed.
Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Ralph’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A
Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com